McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance (B2 studio)

For those in Maryland eager to experience the vibrant energy and rich cultural heritage of Irish dance, the McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance (B2 studio) in North Bethesda stands as a premier local destination. This academy is not just a place to learn steps; it's a community dedicated to fostering a love for Irish dance, from its fundamental techniques to its expressive performance and competitive spirit. Whether you're a curious beginner, a young child taking their very first "jig," or an experienced dancer aiming for championship titles, McGrath Morgan Academy offers a welcoming and inspiring environment right here in Montgomery County.

The McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance has a distinguished history, originally founded in the 1970s by Jeanne McGrath Pearson and later reopened in 2004 by her daughter, Lauren McGrath Dutton. In 2019, it evolved into McGrath Morgan with the full-time addition of John Lawrence Morgan, a world champion dancer and former member of Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance." Registered with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), the international governing body for Irish dance, the academy is committed to teaching excellence in technique and form while promoting the enjoyment of the cultural aspects of this unique dance tradition. Their students have graced esteemed venues such as the White House, the Kennedy Center, and have earned numerous World, National, and Regional championship titles in solo, team, and drama categories. For Maryland locals, this means access to world-class instruction and a vibrant community that nurtures discipline, confidence, and artistic achievement through the joy of Irish dance.

The McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance (B2 studio) is conveniently located at 5050-D Nicholson Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852, USA. This accessible address places the studio in a well-connected area of North Bethesda, making it a practical destination for residents across Montgomery County and the wider Maryland region. Nicholson Lane is a familiar thoroughfare, ensuring that the studio is relatively easy to find whether you're traveling by car or utilizing public transportation. North Bethesda benefits from its proximity to major routes and the Metro system (White Flint and Grosvenor-Strathmore stations on the Red Line are nearby), which enhances accessibility for students coming from various parts of the D.C. metropolitan area. The location in a commercial area often means convenient parking options, further simplifying the logistics of attending classes. The ease of access makes it a suitable choice for families looking for consistent and high-quality Irish dance instruction without significant commute times, fostering continuous engagement with the art form.

• Little Jiggers Class (Ages 2-4): A "Rising Star" class specifically designed for the youngest dancers to learn basic movements, develop coordination, engage in games, and make new friends in a fun, introductory setting.
• Beginners Class (Ages 4+): Suitable for boys and girls aged 4 and older who are new to Irish dance. Focuses on developing timing, techniques, confidence, performance skills, and learning fundamental beginner steps.
• Competition Class: For boys and girls who are competing or aspire to compete in Irish dance. This class helps dancers develop stamina, strength, flexibility, advanced technique, rhythm, and stage presence, with dedicated competition preparation and mindset coaching.
• Solo Dancing: Instruction for individual dancers, accommodating beginning dancers at any level starting from age 4.
• Figure Dancing: Training for teams that perform in groups of 4 and 8, including single-sex and co-ed teams, focusing on synchronized group choreography.
• Irish Dance Drama: Students participate in groups of 8-20, performing on stage using a lively blend of theatre and Irish dance to tell a story, developing dramatic performance skills. The academy has a strong record in World Championship dance dramas.
• Private Tuition: Personalized one-on-one coaching tailored to specific goals and needs, whether it's refining technique, perfecting performance, or preparing for competitions, allowing for faster progress and deeper understanding.
• Workshops: Focused, hands-on training sessions designed to enhance technique, try new challenges, or refine specific skills, often covering advanced techniques and competition preparation in small class sizes.
• Elite Training Program: An intensive, results-driven monthly online training program for committed dancers aiming to reach the highest level of performance. It includes personalized training plans, weekly online check-ins with feedback, accountability, and priority access/discounts on private tuition.
• Grade Examinations: Dancers have the opportunity to take CLRG grade examinations (Grade 1-12), with thorough preparation provided. These exams offer detailed feedback and help dancers work towards teaching qualifications (TCRG).
• Studio Hire: The fully equipped dance studio is available for hire for extra practice, even for non-members, featuring non-slip flooring, mirrors, music, private toilet, kitchen area, and car parking.

• World-Class Instructors: Led by Lauren McGrath Dutton (ADCRG, TCRG) and John Lawrence Morgan (ADCRG, TCRG), a world champion dancer and former "Lord of the Dance" performer, providing unparalleled expertise and competitive insights.
• CLRG Registered: As a school registered with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, it adheres to international standards and offers recognized qualifications and competitive pathways.
• Proven Competitive Success: The academy boasts a strong track record of producing numerous Regional, National, and World Champion dancers in solo, team, and drama categories, including winning World Championship dance dramas.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers a wide range of classes from introductory "Little Jiggers" for toddlers to advanced competition training, figure dancing, and unique Irish Dance Drama, catering to all ages and skill levels.
• Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, the academy focuses on developing stamina, strength, flexibility, rhythm, stage presence, confidence, time management, and goal-setting, preparing students for life beyond dance.
• Performance Opportunities: Dancers have prestigious performance opportunities at venues like the White House, Kennedy Center, local TV stations, parades, community events, weddings, and nursing homes.
• Personalized Training Options: Offers private tuition, workshops, and an Elite Training Program with personalized coaching and feedback, catering to individual dancer needs and accelerating progress.
• Strong Community and Supportive Environment: Emphasizes a fun, friendly, and family-oriented community where teachers are committed to dancer success and support is continuous.
• Pathway to Teaching Qualifications: Provides thorough preparation for Grade Examinations, allowing dancers to work towards becoming certified Irish Dance teachers (TCRG).

For those in Maryland eager to join the vibrant world of Irish dance at McGrath Morgan Academy, here are the contact details for their North Bethesda studio:

Address: 5050-D Nicholson Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852, USA

Phone: (202) 631-7513

Mobile Phone: +1 202-631-7513

For residents of North Bethesda and the broader Maryland region, the McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance (B2 studio) is an exceptional local resource for anyone interested in the art and sport of Irish dance. Its convenient location on Nicholson Lane provides easy access for families throughout Montgomery County, simplifying the logistics of regular attendance. What truly makes this academy stand out for locals is its unparalleled combination of world-class instruction, comprehensive program offerings, and a deeply supportive community.

Under the guidance of renowned instructors like Lauren McGrath Dutton and John Lawrence Morgan, who bring both competitive success and professional performance experience, students receive top-tier training right here in Maryland. The academy’s commitment to all levels, from "Little Jiggers" introducing toddlers to movement, to beginner classes for children and adults, and elite programs for championship-level dancers, ensures that everyone can find their place. The opportunities for performance at prestigious local and national venues, along with a strong focus on competitive success in solo, team, and drama categories, provide invaluable experiences and recognition for students. Beyond the technical skills, McGrath Morgan Academy fosters discipline, confidence, teamwork, and a strong connection to Irish culture. For Marylanders seeking a vibrant, family-oriented environment where they can pursue their passion for dance, achieve personal goals, and become part of a successful and supportive community, the McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance in North Bethesda is an outstanding local choice.

McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance (B2 studio)

5050-D Nicholson Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852, USA